Quora Answer: Is It Illegal to Borrow Something from a Store if You Return It Later?

The following is my answer to a Quora question: “Is it illegal to borrow something from a store if you later return it?”

The definition of theft is the removal, from rightful ownership or custody, of an object, without the permission of the owner or custodian.  Regardless of the intent to return it, the act of taking it is theft, and therefore, an offence.  Should you later return it, the offence is mitigated, but that does not mitigate the fact that an offence has occurred.  You have to consider, also, that whatever you took, if it was merchandise, is not a used item, and the value has depreciated.  You have already cost the business money.